We set goals for almost everything - except the people who matter most…..
When we talk about goals, we usually mean careers, money, or personal growth. Family life, though, is often left to ‘just happen’ - shaped by routines, demands, and whatever feels most urgent that week.
Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with a group of parents about setting intentional goals for their families in the year ahead; not allowing the year to ‘just happen’ but to purposefully create time and experiences to enjoy as a family.
As a parent of teenagers, I’m acutely aware of how fast these years fly by. One minute you’re navigating school runs and packed lunches; the next, they’re building lives of their own. Creating meaningful memories, for them and for you, isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Involving teenagers in family goal-setting helps them feel seen, heard, and included. It also quietly teaches them the power of goal setting in their own lives. These conversations open the door to shared values, expectations, and dreams - building trust, responsibility, and connection along the way.
Whether it’s protecting shared meals, prioritising downtime, improving communication, or planning regular time together, goals cut through the noise of family life. They shift the focus from simply surviving the week to intentionally shaping the life you’re building together.
And these goals aren’t about control or achievement. They’re about connection and clarity, creating a home that supports everyone in it.
Small, intentional steps, taken together, after everyone has had a chance to speak and feel listened to, can create powerful, lasting change. Revisit them often, adapt them when needed, and keep strengthening your family from the inside out.